Surf Rock Instrumental Review: Agent Octopus-From Atlantis with Love EP

Release Date: July 7, 2023

Label: Independent

Website

Agent Octopus lived up to their name with the 2023 EP release From Atlantis with Love.

“Black Sea Reef” launches the waves of energetic surf instro with a distinctive retro sound. The twangy notes set a mellow mood, while the drums and bass stay steady and tasteful, enhancing the guitar’s ambiance. Great lead off track!

“Silver Surfer: Redemption” rolls in at 5:18, not your typical surf instrumental by any means. As the guitar’s gentle notes begin, the cello arrives immediately, creating a cinematic and dramatic feel.

As one would expect, it shifts into a tremolo-filled transporter, with exceptional bass and drums keeping the engines running for superb support. This is like a short film set to music, and the storyline could be about anything, but based on the recording’s title, it suggests a mystery and esoteric elements, all driven by the music’s energy and colorful bursts.  The momentum reaches an apex in the last half and ends with a count-out for timing 4, 5, and 6. This is a powerhouse of surf rock.

“Lew vs. The Kraken” changes back to their more mellow side with tasteful lead runs from the guitar. The track is very melodic, with catchy hooks that keep you engaged throughout. Flashes of isolated tremolo enhance the mood. I don’t know who Lew is, but I certainly understand the implications of The Kraken, and it seems to have been released. And if that is true, why is the atmosphere so sunny and surfy? Shouldn’t it be heavy and terrifying? Guess I will have to ask Lew once I find him! Regardless of my take on the track title, it’s another fine composition.

“Satellites... REVOLT!!!” is the shortest track, closing out this EP at 2:19 of their excellent music. Maybe those Satellites are revolting to find Lew! The guitar’s picking pace is like a high-speed chase, setting you off on another adventure. The reverberating notes flow effortlessly and continue to remind us just how good this band is.  

You get 4 excellent tracks of surf rock instrumentals from Agent Octopus on From Atlantis with Love.

Revisiting this band’s earlier work reveals a truth as clear as the crystalline waters of their namesake realm: Agent Octopus possessed a rare and undeniable mastery from their very first notes. Their sonic architecture—built on tremolo waves, reverb-drenched melodies, and rhythmic precision—stands as a testament to a band that didn’t merely stumble into greatness, but arrived fully formed, tentacles extended, ready to pull listeners into the depths of their immersive surf rock universe.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

February 10, 2026

Credits:

Featuring Grammy Nominated Chloe Mendola on Cello

(Silver Surfer: Redemption)

Chuck Sabo - Drums (Grammy award winner)

Art Svrjcek - Lead, Baritone, Rhythm & Acoustic Guitars (no grammy...)

Jim Colby - Lead, Baritone, Rhythm & Bass Guitars (fingers crossed)

Tracks:

1. Black Sea Reef 03:36

2. Silver Surfer: Redemption 05:18

3. Lew vs. The Kraken 03:40

4. Satellites... REVOLT!!! 02:19

Surf Rock Instrumental Vinyl Review: The Aloha Joes- It’s a surf party with...The Aloha Joes (Ocean Blue EP LP)

Release Date: December 7, 2024

Label: Independent

Website

Welcome to the “Official Surf Band of the U.S.A”, The Aloha Joes. The cover would be indicative of such a statement!

When I looked at the image and title, It’s a surf party with...The Aloha Joes EP immediately made me see past comic books flash by, featuring Jughead and Veronica. I remember seeing them on the rack, but I chose only the superheroes, such as Iron Man. I needed to clarify that because, from a little boy’s eyes, those comics looked too girly to me!

The cover illustration portrays the first wave: the beach party with the band and everyone dancing, where it all started with this music.

This ocean-blue LP EP features five tracks on one side. Sorry, no fancy etching on the back; it’s not necessary when you can deliver the goods for surf instro.

“Tabletoppin” starts with the sound of the ocean, and we are off and running with a fast pace, some tremolo licks, twang, and reverb. The rhythm is catchy as the drums (heavy on cymbals), and the bass is cranking at a high level. Then the guitar really takes off through several transitions, bouncing between surf and rock licks, and then ends abruptly.

“Couple’s Skate” features a different motif, with the guitar sounding more bluesy, with surf-rock lingering along the edges. This is more of a rock-oriented track for a while before taking the off-ramp to the surf instro lane. It’s a hook-filled dandy that will stick with you.

“Pickle the Beast” is a goofy track title, and there is a little introduction where two voices come in before it launches into full-on surf rocker. Meaty chords hit you like that perfect wave before it changes course again into a softer guitar run, then back to the higher-level tempo and heavier sound. More talking at the end wraps it up (you’ll have to listen to find out what they say).

“Knuckle Sandwich” is a quick, compact shot clocking in at under two minutes. I appreciate how a band can pack so much music into such a short period. They manage to cross over into several tempos and textures in this track, and it’s non-stop rockin’ fun.

“Midnight Snack” closes out this much-too-short foray into surf-rock instrumental nirvana. Yet another change in direction gives it that “The Munsters” soundtrack feel. All the fun happens at midnight, and after that, you know. Well, they prove it on this one. This is my favorite track, and I think it’s their best. They really let it fly on this one and explode into a real rocker! It was refreshing to hear them switch from a slower, surf-like tempo to a full-on cranking rocker.

Being diverse with your music within one genre always makes things more interesting, and The Aloha Joes seem to have it down to a science, and this EP is a tasty addition to their catalog.

Here is the kicker: you can get the vinyl EP in ocean blue or sunset orange for $10. That is a bargain for the excellent slice of surf and rock tracks you are going to enjoy.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

February 8, 2026

Tracks:

1. Tabletoppin’ 02:11

2. Couple’s Skate 03:07

3. Pickle the Beast 02:37

4. Knuckle Sandwich 01:58

5. Midnight Snack 03:30

Surf Rock Instrumental Track Review: The Jagaloons-I Touch Myself

    Release Date: February 5, 2026

         Label: Colorado Instrumental Fanzine

Website

I remember the song and the steamy video of the lead singer of The Divinyls, Chrissy Amphlett, singing “I Touch Myself” from their self-titled release in 1991. I think it was a great album and underrated.

There is nothing like a good cover to spark renewed interest in a band. The Jagaloons have done that with their own version of the track. There are some differences in sound and product presentation, of course.

Just in time for the next big holiday and all you sweethearts out there, they are releasing the song on a 7” heart-shaped flex format.

Yes, there is still significant creativity and novelty to explore in music, and the surf instro genre is well known for that. That is one of many reasons why I love the music and the community.

The track has a nice sound and follows the original, with some additional touches of surf to keep the band’s reputation intact as one of the premier surf rock instrumental bands.

“I Touch Myself” features strong sounds that evoke memories of music and a provocative form of self-love ignited by another. However you look at it, this is a great track, brought back to life by The Jagaloons, and worth your attention.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

February 7, 2026